OCS, Summer 1976. My platoon started with 52, but about 32 finished and commissioned. After first few days, we lost our Plt Sgt, a Gunny, and then a SSgt took his place ... worthless. He bummed smokes, socks, t-shirts from candidates, and out of shape. The Captain plt commander was invisible. Our Sgt Instructor was a young Corporal, younger than all of us candidates, the only corporal Sgt Instructor in the company. Plus, we were his very first OCS platoon. He had something to prove to his peers and to the staff, ... and prove it he did. He spent over 90% of the time with us. Lean and wiry, harder than woodpecker lips, knowledgable in everything, vision like a hawk, I can hear his southern Appalachian mountain voice right now. "Cluster-ehf 'round me candidates, .. I'ma learn ya sumpin!". We took the drill platoon honors, and platoon highest pft score average for the company. A couple of nights before graduation he came into our squad bay with a few other company Sgts Instructor for our final rifle count. My rack was near the hatch were they stood and I believe they had a few at the slop chute prior. We did our "trick" rifle count, and blew their socks off. He then stated "Any candidate that never gave me 50, step forward". 2 guys stepped up and he ordered them on their faces for 50 pushups ... "for undiscovered gigs". He then told us he was proud of us, said he had something for us, got on his face and did 100 for us, and 1 more for the Corps. Then it was lights out. Unforgettable. Immediately after graduation, 100% of our platoon cornered him, and lined up to get our first salute from him, and gave him our Silver Dollars and a plaque from the platoon presented by the last boot Lt in line, our honor grad. I was honored to be in his platoon. I then spent 28 years in the Corps and measured every Corporal I met during that time against the standards he displayed. I was rarely disappointed when unexpected, heavy responsibilities were laid on a Corporal's shoulders along with authority, full confidence, high expectations, and support they needed the do the job assigned.
I was in class 230 and dropped, I believe for leadership. However, I went back and made it. Col Williamson gave me the opportunity to reapply. One thing in my case though is that I got very sick week 4, the winter in Quantico in 2019 was brutal. I caught pneumonia and couldn't recover. So, you can get sick and you are still expected to meet the standard. So if you go to a winter class go with a beefed up immune system. OCS is unforgiving.
I went to OCS in winter 1998. I think we had a 40% drop rate. The weather, the cold, the bleakness of Quantico in January, the loneliness, the lack of females, and many other reasons makes the winter cycle tougher than others.
I went to OCS Jan 1990... 220 reported to OCS... we graduated 90. The number one reason in the beginning was physical fitness, the second phase was leadership peer evaluations, the third phase around week 15 was leadership and academic. Good luck, work hard and prepare your body. You can make it through, but you need to prepare for putting your mind, body and soul 100% into it. Midway through I got compartment syndrome of my calves and had to get up an hour early to soak my legs in ice baths before starting the day... remember, between lights out and revelle there are only 6 hours (one of which is usually taken up with fire watch or studying by flashlight for the next day exam). My CO was Col Wesley Fox, Medal of Honor awardee... tough as nails. Semper Fi!
The cameraman's heavy breathing is a bit distracting, though the camera shake was tolerable. Capt. Dubon, could you elaborate on the "dropped for leadership" reason? I assume it has to with not being able to submit to drill instructors' orders or displaying an inability to lead.
Would you consider making a video which details how previous candidates studied academics prior to attending OCS? (I.e. how did they practice delivering a 5PO, FragO) Also, what are the largest obstacles facing new lieutenants once they have been in the fleet for a few months or prior to promoting to Captain? (VTR for character issues among company-level infantry officers)
Hi Daniela. This is the word straight from OCS:When I see a candidate that is "coming apart", it is a candidate that cannot dress himself in the mornings, can't speak in the third person, always has to be reminded to complete basic tasks, their fire team/ squad members always have to help them complete things. Essentially a candidate that is struggling to complete basic individual level tasks. So I had a Candidate several cycles ago who couldn't figure out how to blouse his boots, speak in the third person, make his rack, and always had to be helped by other candidates. In the four weeks he was here, he almost lost half his issued gear. It appeared that he was not conforming to basic military lifestyle and was almost literally coming apart. I pulled this from our SOP so there is no subjectivity into what I'm saying: "A failure to adapt candidate is one who appears to be "coming apart." The candidate is unable to carry himself/herself with military bearing or comportment; the candidate does not demonstrate the mental, emotional, or physical resolve to endure the POI without significant complication. A candidate who is passing all categories can still qualify as a failure to adapt. Candidates may be failing to adapt by showing deficiencies in a number of areas. Candidates who struggle with individual tasks and have become a hindrance to the training and evaluation of other candidates can be deemed a failure to adapt."
Agreed with Warriors Path's comment above. You will immediately be able to see these candidates in your platoon. At OCS your platoon staff will show you how to do everything, from making your rack to blousing your trousers. However, once they have shown you how to do something you will be expected to immediately be able to do that thing. Also, once you've been taught it, you can be issued chits/essays for not doing it properly. One thing I recommend doing once you get there is to write down the names of your staff (platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and two sergeant instructors, which is printed on a sheet of paper and available to the platoon during inprocessing) and practice addressing them using their full billet, rank, and name, because eventually you will have to, like this: "Good morning Staff Sergeant, Candidate X requests permission to speak to Sergeant Instructor Staff Sergeant A" or "Good evening sir, Candidate X requests permission to speak to Platoon Commander Captain H."
The best way to do this is train with others and alternate days of scheduling Physical training sessions. Be yourself and be humble. While at OCS, seek the help of priors or of those that are doing well. As long as you do not quit and display a positive attitude, you can succeed at OCS.
hello, another question. how often would you say candidates are dropped due to not being able to keep up on rucks? This is a personal concern of mine since I struggled with it at pre-ocs. I have changed my training to improve, but am still worried
Daniela S- Very rarely will a candidate get dropped just for the ruck. There is only one that one need to complete to graduate and that is the 9 miler. By the time you get there, you will be conditioned to complete it. If you cannot, you will have multiple attempts to pass it.
Sir I really enjoy your videos and the information you provide. What academic materials can a candidate study before reporting to OCS to assist with academic success? Thank you. SEMPER FI.
I use the word "Whatnot". This is a personal channel, not a USMC sanctioned one. You get the real me. To answer the college question. I attended Tulane University for my undergrad and the University of California Irvine for my Masters.
I dropped out of usmc ocs and then went army ocs. Same curriculum just taught differently. Marine corps is a waste of time unless you’re going enlisted
more like YOU WERE DROPPED. you didn't 'drop out" then you went in the Army? Shows you were the standards are. you are so dumb you make no sense. Marine OCS is a waste of time unless you're going enlisted? this makes no sense
Me And Only Me I DOR’d week 6. The games were so stupid to me. When I went to the CO and told him I wanted to DOR, he told me to think about it over the weekend before I make any final decisions. Before I left, I thought these guys are going to be bye Felicia, but nope they wanted invited me again to try again next year. I was thinking in my head just get me out this stupid ass course and spare me
![ILLSLICK X YOUNGOHM - We're The same [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUJNkobYR0E/mqdefault.jpg)
OCS, Summer 1976. My platoon started with 52, but about 32 finished and commissioned. After first few days, we lost our Plt Sgt, a Gunny, and then a SSgt took his place ... worthless. He bummed smokes, socks, t-shirts from candidates, and out of shape. The Captain plt commander was invisible.
Our Sgt Instructor was a young Corporal, younger than all of us candidates, the only corporal Sgt Instructor in the company. Plus, we were his very first OCS platoon.
He had something to prove to his peers and to the staff, ... and prove it he did.
He spent over 90% of the time with us. Lean and wiry, harder than woodpecker lips, knowledgable in everything, vision like a hawk, I can hear his southern Appalachian mountain voice right now. "Cluster-ehf 'round me candidates, .. I'ma learn ya sumpin!". We took the drill platoon honors, and platoon highest pft score average for the company. A couple of nights before graduation he came into our squad bay with a few other company Sgts Instructor for our final rifle count. My rack was near the hatch were they stood and I believe they had a few at the slop chute prior. We did our "trick" rifle count, and blew their socks off. He then stated "Any candidate that never gave me 50, step forward". 2 guys stepped up and he ordered them on their faces for 50 pushups ... "for undiscovered gigs".
He then told us he was proud of us, said he had something for us, got on his face and did 100 for us, and 1 more for the Corps. Then it was lights out. Unforgettable.
Immediately after graduation, 100% of our platoon cornered him, and lined up to get our first salute from him, and gave him our Silver Dollars and a plaque from the platoon presented by the last boot Lt in line, our honor grad.
I was honored to be in his platoon.
I then spent 28 years in the Corps and measured every Corporal I met during that time against the standards he displayed. I was rarely disappointed when unexpected, heavy responsibilities were laid on a Corporal's shoulders along with authority, full confidence, high expectations, and support they needed the do the job assigned.
Semper Fi sir
I was in class 230 and dropped, I believe for leadership. However, I went back and made it. Col Williamson gave me the opportunity to reapply. One thing in my case though is that I got very sick week 4, the winter in Quantico in 2019 was brutal. I caught pneumonia and couldn't recover. So, you can get sick and you are still expected to meet the standard. So if you go to a winter class go with a beefed up immune system. OCS is unforgiving.
Plc jr.. 1972. 360 start, 120 came back for PLC SR.
I went to OCS in winter 1998. I think we had a 40% drop rate. The weather, the cold, the bleakness of Quantico in January, the loneliness, the lack of females, and many other reasons makes the winter cycle tougher than others.
Your generation is weak
Yep, there's Always a reason to fail / drop out. Pick your poison... ☆
I went to OCS Jan 1990... 220 reported to OCS... we graduated 90. The number one reason in the beginning was physical fitness, the second phase was leadership peer evaluations, the third phase around week 15 was leadership and academic. Good luck, work hard and prepare your body. You can make it through, but you need to prepare for putting your mind, body and soul 100% into it. Midway through I got compartment syndrome of my calves and had to get up an hour early to soak my legs in ice baths before starting the day... remember, between lights out and revelle there are only 6 hours (one of which is usually taken up with fire watch or studying by flashlight for the next day exam). My CO was Col Wesley Fox, Medal of Honor awardee... tough as nails. Semper Fi!
Solid information! I just contracted yesterday for 231 and the CG of MCRC-Region West administered my oath of enlistment. What a privilege!
What company were you? I was at 231 as well, Charlie 3.
@@GeneralFox2 I was in Alpha 1
I think the 119th OCS class which started in February 1982 had one of the highest drop rates.
I did PLC back in the 80s. Sounds like things have not changed much!
I ship off June 1st. This was really informative. Thank you!
How'd it go? Or how's it going?
@@TheSonjaxfactor I got medically dropped out. I'm working at a defense company now as a software engineer.
The cameraman's heavy breathing is a bit distracting, though the camera shake was tolerable.
Capt. Dubon, could you elaborate on the "dropped for leadership" reason? I assume it has to with not being able to submit to drill instructors' orders or displaying an inability to lead.
Jamin Sim facts
Would you consider making a video which details how previous candidates studied academics prior to attending OCS? (I.e. how did they practice delivering a 5PO, FragO) Also, what are the largest obstacles facing new lieutenants once they have been in the fleet for a few months or prior to promoting to Captain? (VTR for character issues among company-level infantry officers)
Paul Ortiz will do!
Wait can I see it as well
Great and informative video.
Thank you for the Information!
Hello, would you mind elaborating more on the inability to adapt??
Or more specifically what behavior was demonstrated that developed the perception that they couldn't handle military life.'
Hi Daniela. This is the word straight from OCS:When I see a candidate that is "coming apart",
it is a candidate that cannot dress himself in the mornings, can't speak in the third
person, always has to be reminded to complete basic tasks, their fire team/
squad members always have to help them complete things. Essentially a
candidate that is struggling to complete basic individual level tasks. So I
had a Candidate several cycles ago who couldn't figure out how to blouse
his boots, speak in the third person, make his rack, and always had to be
helped by other candidates. In the four weeks he was here, he almost lost
half his issued gear. It appeared that he was not conforming to basic
military lifestyle and was almost literally coming apart.
I pulled this from our SOP so there is no subjectivity
into what I'm saying: "A failure to adapt candidate is one who appears to
be "coming apart." The candidate is unable to carry himself/herself with
military bearing or comportment; the candidate does not demonstrate the
mental, emotional, or physical resolve to endure the POI without significant
complication. A candidate who is passing all categories can still
qualify as a failure to adapt. Candidates may be failing to adapt by showing
deficiencies in a number of areas. Candidates who struggle with individual
tasks and have become a hindrance to the training and evaluation of
other candidates can be deemed a failure to adapt."
@@warriorspath9511 Thank you!!
Agreed with Warriors Path's comment above. You will immediately be able to see these candidates in your platoon. At OCS your platoon staff will show you how to do everything, from making your rack to blousing your trousers. However, once they have shown you how to do something you will be expected to immediately be able to do that thing. Also, once you've been taught it, you can be issued chits/essays for not doing it properly. One thing I recommend doing once you get there is to write down the names of your staff (platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and two sergeant instructors, which is printed on a sheet of paper and available to the platoon during inprocessing) and practice addressing them using their full billet, rank, and name, because eventually you will have to, like this: "Good morning Staff Sergeant, Candidate X requests permission to speak to Sergeant Instructor Staff Sergeant A" or "Good evening sir, Candidate X requests permission to speak to Platoon Commander Captain H."
@@NorthwestA330 Thank you! That's very good to know.
Gonna lie about why they dropped out. True dat .
How do prepare to lead your peers
The best way to do this is train with others and alternate days of scheduling Physical training sessions. Be yourself and be humble. While at OCS, seek the help of priors or of those that are doing well. As long as you do not quit and display a positive attitude, you can succeed at OCS.
hello, another question. how often would you say candidates are dropped due to not being able to keep up on rucks? This is a personal concern of mine since I struggled with it at pre-ocs. I have changed my training to improve, but am still worried
Daniela S- Very rarely will a candidate get dropped just for the ruck. There is only one that one need to complete to graduate and that is the 9 miler. By the time you get there, you will be conditioned to complete it. If you cannot, you will have multiple attempts to pass it.
Has anyone ever run into office Carl frost he might be retired he was our neighbor
Sir I really enjoy your videos and the information you provide. What academic materials can a candidate study before reporting to OCS to assist with academic success? Thank you. SEMPER FI.
I did a separate video on that. Our OSO should have the study material in his office.
This may sound as a stupid question but, do you have a say of when to ship to OCS?
andres del castillo kind off. The OCS class you apply for should be decided by both the OSO and yourself.
Do you have the stats for females for OCC 230?
해병대는 나의 사랑 Marine Corps is My Love Usmc and Rokmc
Sheeeesh
lol colleges are gonna take as much money from you as possible. they're not just gonna let you graduate
"Whatnot"? Does a Marine Officer really use the term "Whatnot"? What college did you attend?
I use the word "Whatnot". This is a personal channel, not a USMC sanctioned one. You get the real me. To answer the college question. I attended Tulane University for my undergrad and the University of California Irvine for my Masters.
James Southey were u one of the quitters bruh cuz u sound like a hater
@@alexmontes6275 No, I completed the course and was ranked in the top 25% of the class.
James Southey sure u did son
@@alexmontes6275 I reread my original post and I do sound overly aggressive, so your point is duly noted.
Mouth breather freaking recording. Otherwise good information, thank you.
I dropped out of usmc ocs and then went army ocs. Same curriculum just taught differently. Marine corps is a waste of time unless you’re going enlisted
whatever9042 why dis you drop out? Would you say Marine OCS is more physical than Army OCS?
Me And Only Me yes
@DV8 *** BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM awesome!
more like YOU WERE DROPPED. you didn't 'drop out" then you went in the Army? Shows you were the standards are. you are so dumb you make no sense. Marine OCS is a waste of time unless you're going enlisted? this makes no sense
Me And Only Me I DOR’d week 6. The games were so stupid to me. When I went to the CO and told him I wanted to DOR, he told me to think about it over the weekend before I make any final decisions. Before I left, I thought these guys are going to be bye Felicia, but nope they wanted invited me again to try again next year. I was thinking in my head just get me out this stupid ass course and spare me